How to Grill Salmon

How to Find Quality Salmon

Now, with fish, there’s a lot of overwhelm and data. However, we use these apps that to help us check if the product is a good choice or not!

Recently, we’ve researched Copper River Salmon, specifically how they harvest wild salmon, what they do to protect it, and how they monitor the fishing season, connecting us deeper with the product.

Color

One of the first things to for when buying salmon is the color. Here are some tips to ensure you find the highest quality salmon: 

• The deep red color is the first key to spotting Copper River Salmon.
• Atlantic salmon tends to be paler and more pink.
• Check to make sure no dyes were added to redded the fish. 
• If you are looking for Copper River Salmon, make sure it says it on the tag and confirm with the fishmonger. Alaskan salmon doesn’t necessarily mean wild-caught Copper River Salmon, so be sure to confirm. 
• The redder, the better: The salmon from the Copper River watershed have a distinct rich red color that is absolutely beautiful – and also packed with that healthy fatty Omega-3’s! 

Type

• King, as the name suggests, is the prime choice. Also known as Chinook, they are the biggest salmon with the highest oil content, making them rich in flavor. These are our favorite for simple methods, like blackening or grilling, when we really want to show off the flavor of the fish. 
• Sockeye, also known as Red Salmon, has the longest season for Copper River, from May to July, and is the smallest of the lot. We love these filets for smoking salmon or making dips. 
• Coho, aka Silvers, is our personal favorite. It comes in at the end of the season, larger than Sockeye but smaller than the mighty Chinook, with a flavor that we love for cast iron, baking, and grilling.

on a gas grill

Gas grills are the perfect convenience for those who want to whip up some delicious salmon without the hassle of charcoal. Here are a few tips for grilling salmon on a gas grill:

1. Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat, making sure to give it a good scrub down first.
2. Brush the grill grates with a little vegetable oil to prevent the salmon from sticking.
3. Next, place the salmon skin-side down on the hot grates and let it cook for a couple of minutes, resisting the urge to flip it too soon.
4. Keep an eye on the temperature because you don’t want to overcook that beautiful fish.
5. When the flesh begins to turn opaque, it’s time to flip it over and cook it for a few more minutes. Don’t forget to check for those beautiful grill marks!
6. Serve and enjoy!

On a Charcoal grill

Charcoal grills are the ultimate test of patience for those who want to grill salmon like a pro. But hey, if you’re up for the challenge, let’s get to it. Here are a few tips for grilling salmon on a charcoal grill:

1. Start by lighting up the charcoal and letting it burn until it’s covered in white ash.
2. Spread it out evenly and wait for the grill grates to get hot.
3. Next, brush the grates with a little bit of olive oil and place the salmon skin-side down.
4. Resist the temptation to flip it too soon because you want those beautiful grill marks.
5. Keep an eye on the internal temperature because nothing ruins perfectly grilled salmon like overcooking it.
6. When the flesh starts to turn opaque, it’s time to flip it over and cook it for a few more minutes.
7. And if you want to add some extra smoky flavor, try cooking it on a cedar plank.
8. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice, and enjoy!

on a Pellet smoker

Pellet grills are the ultimate combination of convenience and flavor for those who want to grill salmon like a boss. Here are a few tips for grilling salmon on a pellet grill:

1. Start by filling the hopper with your favorite wood pellets and preheating the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the grill grates with a little bit of vegetable oil to prevent the salmon from sticking, and place the salmon skin-side down.
3. Keep an eye on the internal temperature and try not to open the lid too often because you lose heat and smoke every time you do.
4. When the flesh turns opaque, it’s time to flip it over and cook it for a few more minutes.
5. Check for those beautiful grill marks, and if you want to add some extra flavor, try a flavorful marinade made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try cooking your salmon in a foil pack with some vegetables for an easy and delicious meal.
6. Serve and enjoy your perfectly grilled salmon!

How Long To Grill Salmon

Grilling salmon is all about timing. Too short, and you’re left with raw fish. Too long, and you might as well use that salmon as a hockey puck. Generally, for every inch of thickness, you should grill your salmon for about 10 minutes at medium-high heat or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. And if you’re cooking thicker fillets or a large piece of salmon, adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Remember to keep an instant-read thermometer on hand and check the flesh side of the salmon to see if it flakes easily. So, don’t be afraid to keep an eye on that timer and use your best tools, like a fish spatula and a grill brush, to ensure the best results.

Storing and Reheating Grilled Salmon

So, you’ve grilled your perfect salmon, and you’re wondering what to do with the leftovers. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips for storing your grilled salmon:

1. Make sure your salmon has cooled down to room temperature.
2. Then, use a paper towel to gently pat the salmon dry and remove any excess moisture.
3. Next, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. 

And if you want to keep that rich flavor and smoky goodness intact, try storing it on a cedar plank. Or better yet, make some salmon salad or salmon fish cakes with those leftovers!